Ashley Kissin, a Conservative councillor for eight years, was elected as the new Mayor of Redbridge in front of a packed council chamber last week.

Cllr Kissin said: “The first few days have been pretty good. The evening [at Redbridge Town Hall] was wonderful – it was really exciting and my family enjoyed it.”

He said his father was a member of the military charity, which provides advice and support to current and former members of the armed services, and he is aiming to raise at least £75,000.

“They do a wonderful job for all ex-service personal and their families, plus they have a wonderful welfare scheme for badly injured soldiers. My dad was a member of the Royal British Legion for many, many years.”

‘Proud’

Asked whether he hoped to raise more money than departing mayor Felicity Banks, who raised nearly £75,000 for charity Hopes and Dreams, Cllr Kissin said: “I am hoping to get as much, if not more than Felicity’s total.”

Wife Hilary Kissin, the Mayoress of Redbridge, said she felt “proud” and “privileged” at her husband’s appointment.

The couple will be celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary during his mayoral year. “I am just looking forward to the year,” said Mrs Kissin. “Everyone tells me it is going to be great. He has been looking forward to it so much.”

Mrs Kissin, a Redbridge resident all her life, said the appointment was a testament to the hard work her husband had put in as a councillor. She added: “We will just try to serve the public in the best way we can.”

Cllr Jas Athwal (Lab, Mayfield) seconded the Conservative councillor for the position of Mayor of Redbridge at the annual council meeting.

“The role of mayor signifies everything this borough stands for,” he said.

“Cllr Kissin is a true gentleman. It is important to recognise service